'Light Up' Review: This Documentary Film Shines Bright with Truth, Power and Pride
- Romey Norton
- Oct 31
- 2 min read
By Romey Norton- October 31, 2025
Ryan Ashley Lowery’s Light Up is a radiant, deeply human celebration of authenticity; a film that glows not just with cinematic beauty, but with purpose. Premiering at the 2024 Bronzelens Film Festival, this poignant narrative hybrid (part documentary, part lyrical storytelling) explores the lives of same-gender-loving men and a transgender woman who each discover their “superpower” by embracing who they truly are.
Through a blend of intimate interviews, poetic visuals, and striking performances, Lowery creates a personal and universal film. The people, each unique in their experience, speak candidly about resilience, love, faith, and the often-painful journey toward self-acceptance. It’s very emotive; I was teary-eyed in the first ten minutes. Especially when discussing the foster system, keeping family happy, and the emotions you remember as a child from family and school, and how these experiences shape us.
The film stars Benjamin Carlton, Derek Johnson, Obio Jones, Ryan Ashley Lowery, Octavius Terry, and Simone Tisci, all portraying their beautiful selves with a rich honesty. The phrase “found their superpower” may sound metaphorical, but in Light Up, it becomes literal in emotional resonance. Lowery’s direction shows a deft hand at balancing intimacy and scope; we feel both the closeness of confession and the expansiveness of representation. While there is sadness in these stories, there are still moments of comedy and huge positivity. Everyone is very easy to listen to, they have great presenting skills, and are charming. Audiences will hear a story they can relate to and resonate with, and this is why films like this are so important.
Visually, Light Up is a stunner. Its cinematography pulses with colour and texture from the use of neon reflections, colourful chairs for people to sit in when being interviewed, and their clothing. Everything screams personality and creativity, and it feels energetic. The soundtrack, filled with soul, gospel, and R&B undertones, amplifies the emotional current without overwhelming it.
Beyond its artistry, Light Up holds cultural weight. In a time when LGBTQ+ stories still face censorship and erasure, particularly those centering Black and trans experiences, this film stands as a bold statement of visibility and grace. Lowery refuses to frame his subjects as victims; instead, they are heroes — everyday people who find magic in honesty. The film discusses masculinity, bullying, racism, social pressures and expectations, and how to navigate yourself in a world that, at times, feels like it’s against you.
The ending is hopeful, filled with advice, key bits of wisdom, and might help someone out there who is struggling. Ryan Ashley Lowery has crafted something special, and everyone involved should feel very proud. This film is for people who love to watch and hear the human experience, true stories, and documentaries. Light Up is a celebration of light, life, and the quiet, powerful act of being yourself.
You can stream the 2024 documentary 'Light Up' on platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Plex, and Tubi, available to watch for free with ads, or to rent or buy.
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